Stat shuttle transport device

ABSTRACT

The stat shuttle adapter and transport device includes a conveyor with a movable platform for securement of the stat shuttle adapter. The stat shuttle adapter is a universal holding device that includes a carrier housing having male and female surfaces that engage complementary shaped female or male surfaces of a rack that is held by the carrier housing. The conveyor has a forward load position wherein racks are loaded onto the carrier housing. The conveyor also has a rearward unload position wherein the loaded rack is locked onto the carrier housing to facilitate removal of the contents of the rack from the carrier housing without upsetting the rack. A latch device on the carrier housing is normally biased to a lock position but is maintained in an unlock position when the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor. A latch engagement device on the conveyor maintains the latch in the unlock position while the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor. Once the conveyor moves the carrier housing away from the forward load position toward the rearward unload position the latch device is free to move to the normal lock position wherein the loaded rack is locked to the carrier housing. As the conveyor moves the carrier housing toward to the rearward unload position the latch device remains in the lock position.

This applicaton is a division of Ser. No. 09/113,640 filed Jul. 10,1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,617.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to transport devices for automatic samplingsystems and more particularly to a stat shuttle adapter and transportdevice for immediate automated delivery of sample, reagent or diluent toa sample analysis system.

Automatic testing of body fluids such as blood samples is usuallycarried out in a predetermined sequence of operations performed in asample analysis system. An automatic sample analysis system such asshown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,268,147 and 5,399,497 generally operates witha steady input of samples that can be delivered to the analysis systemeither manually or automatically. Ideally, the delivery of samples tothe automatic sample analysis system is synchronized with theoperational speed of the sample analysis system for optimum coordinationof sample input, sample analysis and collection of completed testsamples. Input samples are thus typically arranged in an input queue andare subject to a waiting time at the input queue before entering thesample analysis system.

In some instances it is necessary to obtain immediate entry of a sampleor other sample analysis ingredient into the sample analysis system.Immediate entry of a sample etc. into the sample analysis system isusually accomplished by interrupting the normal input sequence of sampleto the sample analysis system in order to preempt the normal queue ofinput samples awaiting entry to the sample analysis system. A preemptionprocess often requires a holding back of the input queue of samples topermit preferential delivery of a selected sample or other immediatelyrequired sample analysis ingredient to the sample analysis system.

Generally, when an input queue of samples is awaiting entry to a sampleanalysis system, data pertaining to the identification and position ofsuch samples is automatically accumulated in a computerized monitoringsystem. When the input queue of samples is to be preempted it is oftennecessary for an operator to manually interrupt the automatic deliveryof sample to the sample analysis system and manually perform acorrection procedure in the automatic monitoring operations of the inputdelivery system. Manual preemption of a normal automatic input deliverysequence of sample to the sample analysis system can distract anoperator from other process areas that require attention. Manualpreemption of a normal automatic input delivery sequence can also betime consuming because of the need to make manual adjustments to theinput delivery system to enable it to accommodate the immediatelyrequired sample analysis ingredients.

It is thus desirable to provide a stat shuttle adapter and transportdevice for providing immediate automated delivery of sample, reagent ordiluent to a sample analysis system without manually interfering withthe normal queue of input samples awaiting entry to a sample analysissystem.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision ofa novel transport device for immediate automated delivery of sample,reagent or diluent to a sample analysis system, a novel stat shuttleadapter and transport device for a sample analysis system for automateddelivery of analysis ingredients to the sample analysis system, a novelstat shuttle adapter which accommodates a sample tube rack, a reagentpackage rack or a diluent package rack in a stable upright position, anovel stat shuttle adapter which accommodates different racks fordifferent sample analysis components, a novel stat shuttle adapter thataccommodates different racks for sample, reagent, and diluent bydisposition of such racks onto the stat shuttle adapter without the needto apply any force or make any adjustment between the respective rackand the stat shuttle adapter, a novel stat shuttle adapter and transportdevice which includes a latch device that has an unlock position topermit easy loading of different racks onto the stat shuttle adapter anda lock position to hold the racks onto the stat shuttle adapter when thecontents of the racks are being automatically transported and unloaded,a novel stat shuttle adapter and transport device wherein the transportdevice includes immovable latch engagement surfaces for causing movementof a latch from a normal lock position to an unlock position, a novelstat shuttle adapter and transport device wherein a carrier housing fordifferent rack types is secured to the transport device for movementwith the transport device and a novel stat shuttle adapter that co-actswith latch engagement structure on the transport device to cause latchmovement on the adapter to selected lock and unlock positions.

Other objects and features of the invention will be in part apparent,and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In accordance with the present invention, the stat shuttle adapter andtransport device includes a carrier housing for holding a rack and aconveyor with a movable platform for transporting the carrier housingfrom a forward load position of the conveyor to a rearward unloadposition of the conveyor. The load position refers to a loading of arack on the carrier housing whereas the unload position refers toremoval of the rack contents from the rack while the rack remains lockedto the carrier housing on the conveyor.

The stat shuttle adapter and transport device provides automaticpreemptive delivery of selected sample analysis ingredients to a sampleanalysis system that supersedes normal operation of an automatic inputqueue delivery system of untested samples to the sample analysis system.

The carrier housing has a peripheral wall that defines an inside femalesurface and an outside male surface for engaging complementary shapedmale or female surfaces of different racks that can be held by thecarrier housing. A latch device provided on the carrier housing isnormally biased to a lock position wherein the latch secures the rack tothe carrier housing. The latch device is movable to an unlock positionthat permits force free installation of the rack in the carrier housingand force free removal of the rack from the carrier housing.

The stat shuttle adapter and transport device is incorporated in asample handler module that delivers untested sample to a sample analysissystem and collects the tested sample from the sample analysis systemafter testing has been completed. The stat shuttle adapter and transportdevice preempts the normal queue of untested samples awaiting deliveryto the sample analysis system and provides immediate automated deliveryof one or more priority untested samples, a supply of reagent or asupply of diluent to the sample analysis system while the normal queueof untested samples is temporarily arrested from further movement.

The latch device for holding the racks to the carrier housing isslideably mounted on the carrier housing for slideable movement inopposite directions relative to a base portion of the carrier housingfrom the lock position to the unlock position and vice versa. The latchdevice includes at least one latch engagement member that projects intoa female space of the carrier housing that is defined by the peripheralwall of the carrier housing. The latch device includes an actuatormember for effecting movement of the latch device from the lock positionto the unlock position.

The shuttle adapter device, which includes the carrier housing, issecured to a moveable platform of the transport device conveyor formovement from a forward load position of the conveyor to a rearwardunload position of the conveyor. The conveyor includes first and secondimmovable actuator engagement surfaces that cooperate with the latch tomove the latch from the lock position to the unlock position, dependingupon whether the carrier housing is at the forward load position or therearward unload position.

Thus when the carrier housing is in the forward load position theactuator member of the latch device engages the first immovableengagement surface of the conveyor to hold the latch device in an unlockposition thereby permitting force free disposition of a rack onto thecarrier housing.

When the carrier housing is moved by the conveyor away from the forwardload position in the direction of the rearward unload position thecarrier housing latch device is biased to a normal lock position thatlocks the rack to the carrier housing. The latch device normally remainsin the lock position during the excursion of the carrier housing to therearward unload position of the conveyor. Thus, when the carrier housingis in the rearward unload position of the conveyor the rack remainslocked to the carrier housing which facilitates unloading of the rackcontents.

If the latch device is inadvertently held in the unlock position duringmovement of the carrier housing the rearward unload position of theconveyor then the actuator member of the latch device will engage thesecond immovable actuator engagement surface. Such engagement orinterference between the second immovable actuator engagement surfaceand the actuator member of the latch device will cause the latch deviceto move to the lock position thereby ensuring that whenever the carrierhousing is in the rearward unload position the rack device is locked tothe carrier housing.

The carrier housing and any racks that are transported on the carrierhousing are provided with complementary keying surfaces and keyingrecesses to ensure predetermined orientation of a rack in the carrierhousing.

When preemptive operation of the shuttle adapter and transport device isno longer required such operation can be suspended and the normalautomatic movement of the input queue of sample racks to the sampleanalysis system can be reactivated without the need to manipulate orotherwise rearrange the input queue of sample racks awaiting delivery tothe sample analysis system.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafterdescribed, the scope of the invention being indicated in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings,

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic side perspective view of a samplehandler module incorporating one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic fragmentary top perspective viewthereof;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic side perspective view of the statshuttle adapter and transport device with the stat shuttle adapter at arearward unload position on the transport device;

FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the conveyor belt removed fromthe transport device and the stat shuttle adapter removed from anattachment platform of the transport device;

FIG. 3B is a top perspective fragmentary view thereof showing theattachment platform and underlying structure of the transport device;

FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective fragmentary view of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D is an exploded view of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4 is an end view taken on the line 4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view partially shown in section, taken on the line 5—5of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing the stat shuttle adapter at a forwardload position on the transport device;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof with the stat shuttle adapter in therearward unload position;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic perspective view of the stat shuttleadapter;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 12 is an end view thereof taken from the right side of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken on the line 15—15 of FIG. 14 showingthe latch device thereof biased to a normal lock position;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view thereof corresponding to FIG. 15 at aforward load position on the transport device and showing the statshuttle adapter latch device in an unlock position;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view thereof at a forward load positionon the transport device and showing the stat shuttle adapter latchdevice in the unlock position with a rack for diluent packages mountedthereon;

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 17 with the stat shuttle adapterlatch device in a lock position, as the transport device moves the statshuttle adapter away from the forward load position to the rearwardunload position;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the stat shuttle adapterlatch device in the lock position with the stat shuttle adapter at therearward unload position on the transport device;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 showing the stat shuttle adapterlatch device in an unlock position as the adapter approaches therearward unload position;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a diluent rack;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view thereof, partly shown in section;

FIG. 24 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a reagent rack;

FIG. 25 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view thereof, partly shown in section;

FIG. 27 is a simplified schematic perspective view of a sample tuberack;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 29 is front elevational view thereof, partly shown in section;

FIG. 30 is a front elevational view of the stat shuttle adapter at theforward load position on the transport device and showing the statshuttle adapter latch device in the unlock position with the sample tuberack mounted thereon;

FIG. 31 is a view corresponding to FIG. 30 with the stat shuttle adapterlatch device in a lock position as the transport device moves the statshuttle adapter away from the forward load position to the rearwardunload position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views indicate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings, except where otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings a stat shuttle adapter and transport deviceincorporating one embodiment of the invention is generally indicated bythe reference number 10 in FIG. 3.

The stat shuttle adapter and transport device 10 (hereinafter referredto as the stat shuttle 10) includes a stat shuttle adapter 12(hereinafter referred to as the adapter 12) and a transport device 14.

The stat shuttle 10 is a component of a sample handler module 20 shownin simplified schematic form in FIG. 1. The stat shuttle 10 is disposedbetween an input queue pathway 26 and an output queue pathway 28 of thesample handler module 20. More detailed operational features of theinput and output queue pathways 26 and 28 of the sample handler moduleare disclosed in a co-pending application filed contemporaneously withthis application.

During normal operation of the sample handler module 20, a plurality ofsample tube racks 380 as shown in FIGS. 27-29 are placed at a front orforward end of the input queue 26 near a workstation area 34 of thesample handler module 20. The sample tube racks are moved from theforward end of the input queue pathway 26 at the workstation area 34 ina rearward direction to a cross feed transporter (not shown) at arearward end 38 of the input queue pathway 26 for entry to a sampleanalysis system (not shown) of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,399,497. Once the samples in the racks 380 of FIGS. 27-29 are analyzedby the sample analysis system (not shown) they are placed in similarracks at a rearward end 42 (FIG. 2) of the output queue pathway 28 formovement from the rearward end 42 to a front or forward end of theoutput queue pathway 28 for collection or off-loading at the workstationarea 34.

The movement of sample tube racks on the input and output queue pathways26, 28 and the off-loading of the sample racks 380 from the input queuepathway 26 to a cross feed transport system (not shown) as well as theon-loading of the racks 380 from the sample analysis system (not shown)to the output queue pathway 28 is disclosed in more detail in thepreviously mentioned co-pending application filed on the same date asthis application.

Thus in the usual course of operation of the sample handler module 20,untested samples are delivered to a sample analysis system in a queue ofracks that proceed along the input queue pathway 26 to an off-loadposition at the rearward end 38 of the input queue pathway 26. Testedsamples that have been analyzed by the sample analysis system are placedon the output queue pathway 28 for movement from the rearward end 42 ofthe output queue pathway 28 forwardly toward the workstation area 34 forunloading and other processing or disposal.

The stat shuttle 10 allows an operator to automatic interrupt the usualoperation of the input queue 26 of the sample handler 20 to permitautomatic preferential or priority delivery of a patient sample oranalysis ingredient to the sample analysis system for immediate analysisor usage independent of the input queue pathway 26. The stat shuttle 10also permits immediate delivery to a sample analysis system of reagentcomponents for reaction with sample, and diluent components forpredilution of sample.

The sample handler module 20 further includes a control console 48located in a tower assembly 50 (FIG. 1) that permits an operator totemporarily interrupt movement of sample tube racks on the input queuepathway 26 while activating the stat shuttle 10. An electronic controlsystem 54 (FIG. 1) that does not form a part of the invention is locatedbelow the workstation area 34 for controlling the operation of thesample handler module 20.

In some instances it may not be necessary to stop the input queue whilethe stat shuttle 10 is activated.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 10 and 13 the adapter 12 includes a carrierhousing 60 with a base portion 64 and a peripheral wall 66 extendingupwardly from the base portion 64. The peripheral wall 66 has an outsidemale surface 68 and an inside female surface 72. The peripheral wall 66includes sidewall sections 76 and 78 and front and rear end sections 83and 85 of the carrier housing 60. A boss-like key formation 82 isprovided on the outside male surface 68 at the front end section 83whereas the opposite rear end section 85 is keyless.

A pair of spaced key projections 86 are formed on the inside femalesurface 72 at the sidewall sections 76 and 78 proximate the front end 83of the carrier housing 60. A similar pair of spaced key projections 90are formed on the inside female surface 72 at the sidewalls 76 and 78proximate the rear end 85 of the carrier housing 60.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 15, for example, the key projection 86 isspaced a lesser amount from the front end 83 of the carrier housing 60than the key projection 90 is spaced from the rear end 85 of the carrierhousing 60. This spacing difference between the key projections 86, 90at the front and rear ends 83, 85 serves a keying function for the racks380 inserted into the female space defined by the female surface 72.

Referring to FIG. 13 the base portion 64 of the carrier housing 60includes a peripheral base wall 98, a base floor 102 and a space 104.The space 104 hollows out the male portion 68 and defines a marginalbase portion 102a which, for purposes of simplicity, will also bereferred to as the base floor 102. A latch device 110 is mounted belowthe base floor 102 for slideable back and forth movement relative to thebase floor 102. The term back and forth movement of the latch device 110is intended to refer to movement toward and away from the front and rearends 83 and 85 of the carrier housing 60.

Referring again to FIG. 13 the latch device 110 includes an elongatedplate portion 116 having spaced clearance openings 120 and 122. Theclearance opening 120 is longer but narrower than the clearance opening122. A pair of latch fingers 126 and 128 are provided at opposite endportions of the latch device 110. A spring securement opening 132 isformed in the plate portion 116 just below the latch finger 126 forsecurement of one end 133 of a biasing spring 134. A latch actuator inthe form of spaced actuator members 136 and 138, depend from the plateportion 116, between the clearance openings 120 and 122.

Referring again to FIG. 13 the carrier housing base floor 102 and thebase wall 98 are reinforced with four stepped gussets 144 having steps146, 148 and 150. Two of the gussets 144 are below the sidewall 76, andtwo of the gussets 144 are below the opposite sidewall 78. A reinforcinggusset 154 is formed intermediate each pair of gussets 144 and has steps146, 147, 148 and 150. The reference numbers of the steps 146, 148 and150 in the gussets 144 and 154 are intended to indicate a similardistance from the base floor 102. The gussets 144 and 154 extend intothe hollow space 104 to further reinforce the structure of the carrierhousing 60.

A parallel and perpendicular network of web-like formations 160 on thebase floor 102 between the latch finger openings 162 and 164 have an endsurface 146 that is the same distance from the base floor 102 as thesteps 146 on the gussets 144 and 154. The steps 146 and the web surfaces146 define a guide plane for movement of the latch device 110 which isconfined for slideable movement between the steps 148 of the gussets 144and the steps 147 of the gussets 154.

The carrier housing base floor 102 is also formed with a pair of spacedbosses 170 and 172 having internal threads. The bosses 170 and 172 areconnected by at least one of the web-like formations 160. A springengagement post 176 is provided next to the boss 172 to secure theopposite end 135 of the spring 134. The base floor 102 also includesspaced hollow bosses 180 and 182 proximate each of the latch fingeropenings 162, 164. A fastener opening 184 is formed in each of thebosses 180 and 182.

A locating pin 188 is provided on the base portion 102 between thesecurement boss 180 and the end portion 85 of the carrier housing 60 forlocating the adapter 12 on the transport device 14. The locating pin 188extends slightly below the peripheral wall 98. A pair of step-shapedreinforcement gussets 190 are provided on opposite sides of the boss180. An end gusset 196 on the base platform 102 at the end 85 of thecarrier housing 60 reinforces the securement boss 180 and the locatingpin 188. An end gusset 198 is provided on the base portion 102 at theopposite end 83 of the carrier housing 60 and extends to the latchfinger opening 164.

The adapter 12 further includes a generally rectangular securementmember 204, preferably formed of plastic for securing the latch device110 in a slideable position relative to the base portion 102 of thecarrier housing 60. The securement member 204 includes securementopenings 206 and 208 and a location opening 210. A pair of spaced andparallel slide rails 212 are formed on a surface 214 of the securementmember 204.

The adapter 12 is assembled by placing the plate portion 116 of thelatch device 110 on the surfaces 146 of the gussets 144, 154 and theweb-like network 160. The plate 116 is positioned such that the latchfingers 126 and 128 pass through the latch finger openings 162 and 164of the base portion 102. Under this arrangement an imperforate portion124 of the plate 116 between the clearance openings 120 and 122 islocated between the bosses 170 and 172. The latch device 110 is thuscapable of sliding back and forth on the carrier housing 60 to a firstlimit position wherein an edge portion 123 of the clearance opening 122abuts against the boss 170, to locate the latch fingers 126 and 128 inthe lock position. The latch device 10 is also slideable in an oppositedirection to a second limit position wherein an edge 121 of theclearance opening 120 abuts against the boss 172 to locate the latchfingers 126 and 128 in the unlock position.

The latch finger openings 162 and 164 in the base portion 102 are sizedto accommodate back and forth movement of the latch fingers 126 and 128without interference. With the plate portion 116 of the latch device 110thus located at the base portion 102 of the carrier housing 60, thespring end 133 is secured in the spring securement opening 132 at thelatch finger 126 and the opposite spring end 135 is secured around thespring post 176. Under this arrangement the elongated plate portion 116of the latch device 110 is normally biased to the lock position whereinthe edge 123 of the clearance opening 122 abuts the boss 170.

The peripheral base wall 98 of the carrier housing 60 further includescutout portions 220, 222 which align with the respective actuatormembers 136 and 138 of the latch device 110. The cutout portions 220,222 are sized to accommodate back and forth movement of the actuatormembers 136 and 138 without interference. The securement member 204 ispositioned at the base portion 102 of the carrier housing 60 such thatthe post opening 210 aligns with and snugly receives the spring post 176at the base portion 102. Under this arrangement the spring end 135around the spring post 176 is confined between the base platform 102 andthe securement member 204. Also, under this arrangement the fasteneropenings 206 and 208 in the securement member 204 are aligned with theinternal threaded openings of the bosses 170 and 172 to permit fasteningof the securement member 204 onto the bosses 170 and 172 with suitablethreaded fasteners such as 226 (FIG. 14).

It should be noted that the elevation of the bosses 170 and 172 from thebase portion 102 is an amount which will provide clearance between thesecurement member 204 and the plate portion 116 of the latch device 110.Thus no force is imposed by the securement member 204 against the plateportion 116 thereby permitting free sliding movement of the plateportion 116 back and forth from the normal spring biased lock positionto the unlock position. With the latch device 110 thus secured to thecarrier housing 68 the actuator members 136 and 138 of the latch device110 depend from the cutout portions 220 and 222 in the manner shown inFIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 3 the adapter 12 is transported back and forth by thetransport device 14 from a forward load position as shown in FIG. 7 to arearward unload position as shown in FIG. 3 and vice versa.

The adapter 12 is secured to a conveyor belt or timing belt 250 of thetransport device 14 with an attachment platform 254 (FIGS. 3 and 3A).The adapter 12 is secured to the attachment platform by means of afastener 258 provided in each of the securement bosses 180 and 182 inthe manner shown in FIG. 5 to engage respective threaded openings 264,262 (FIG. 3A) in the attachment platform 254. When the adapter 12 isthus fastened to the attachment platform 254 the locating pin 188 (FIG.13) of the carrier housing 60 snugly engages the pin opening 266 (FIG.3A) of the attachment platform 254.

The conveyor or timing belt 250 is not an endless belt but has belt endportions 270 and 272 (FIG. 3D) that are of reduced width relative to theportions of the conveyor belt 250 that ride upon the pulleys 278 and 280(FIG. 3) provided at opposite ends of the transport device 14. Theconveyor belt 250 includes a spline 284 (FIG. 3D) that engages acomplementary shaped circumferencial groove 285 (FIG. 3A) in the pulleys278 and 280. Conveyor belt teeth 286 (FIG. 3D) are provided on oppositesides of the spline 284 for the full length of the conveyor belt 250.Belt teeth 286 are also provided on the belt end portions 270 and 272.

Referring to FIG. 3D the attachment platform 254, which is preferablyformed of metal such as aluminum has an underside 290 that is formedwith a securement section 292. The securement section 292 has oppositestep down end portions 296 and 298 with shallow channels 300 foraccommodating the belt end portions 270 and 272. A timing belt clamp 306with tooth formations 307 that are complementary to the conveyor beltteeth 286 fastens the belt end portion 270 to the step down end portion296 of the attachment platform 254. A similar timing belt clamp 308secures the belt end portion 272 to the step down end portion 298 of theattachment platform 254. Each of the timing belt clamps has a clearancechannel 310.

Still referring to FIG. 3D a pair of bearing members 316 are alsosecured to the securement section 292 between the step down end portions296 and 298. The bearing members 316 have roller members (not shown) ina channel portion 318. The bearing members 316 are a suitable knownstructure such as IKO part number LWL12C2R435H/M3 sold by IKOInternational Inc. of Parsippany, N.J. The bearing channel 318 engages aguideway 320 such that the back and forth movement of conveyor belt 250results in roller bearing sliding movement of the attachment platform254 on the guideway 320.

The conveyor belt 250 is driven by a suitable known stepper motor 324(FIG. 5) which is drivingly engaged with the pulley 280 through asuitable arrangement of drive belts and pulleys that are generallyindicated by the reference number 328.

Referring to FIG. 3A the transport device 14 further includes a frame340 with opposite sidewalls 342 and 344. Each of the sidewalls 342 and344 has an upper elongated rail surface on which the flexible portion ofthe conveyor belt 250 rides. The guideway 320 for the attachmentplatform 254 is located between the sidewalls 342 and 344.

Still Referring to FIG. 3A a step-like formation 350 in each of thesidewalls 342 and 344 proximate the pulley 278 forms a first hard stopor actuator member engagement surface for the actuator members 136 and138 of the latch device 110 of the adapter 12. A symmetrical step-likeformation 354 is also formed in the rail surfaces 346 of the sidewalls342 and 344 proximate the pulley 280. The step-like formation 354 formsa hard stop or actuator member engagement surface at a rearward end ofthe conveyor for potential engagement with the actuator members 136 and138 of the adapter 12. A clearance channel 358 is formed in thesidewalls 342 and 344 between the step-like formations 350 and 354 atthe rail surface 346.

Referring to FIG. 13 the peripheral base wall 98 of the carrier housing60 has a recess 200 below the end portion 85, and the end gusset 198 hasa step 202 below the end portion 83 of the carrier housing 60. Theperipheral base 98 also includes a shallow recess 106 below the sidewall76 and a similar oppositely disposed shallow recess 108 below thesidewall 78. Referring to FIG. 3A the attachment platform 254 includeselongated marginal steps 330 and 332 at opposite edges of an uppersurface 334 of the platform. A clearance recess 336 is provided in eachmarginal step 330 and 332 for accommodation of the respective actuatormembers 136 and 138 (FIG. 13) of the adapter 12. A channel 338 (FIG.3A)is formed in the upper surface 334 of the attachment platform forsecurement of a flag member 360 having a signaling projection 362. Aflag sensor 364 is secured to the sidewall 344 of the conveyor frame340.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 10 and 13 when the adapter 12 is secured to theplatform 254 the step 202 at the forward end 83 of the carrier housing60 engages a forward end 368 of the attachment platform 254. Theclearance recess 200 at the rear end 85 of the carrier housing 60 spansthe upper surface 334 of the platform 254 between the marginal steps 330and 332. The shallow recesses 106 and 108 provide clearance for thecarrier housing 60 relative to the flag member 360. The recesses 336 inthe marginal steps 330 and 332 of the attachment platform 254 provideclearance for the actuator members 136 and 138 to enter the clearancechannel 358 of the frame sidewalls 342 and 344 in the step-likeformations 350 and 354 in each of the sidewalls 342 and 344.

When the adapter 12 is positioned on the conveyor belt 250 between thestep-like formations 350 and 354 (FIGS. 3 and 3A) the latch device 110is normally biased by the spring 134 into the lock position (FIG. 15).With the latch device in the lock position, the edge 123 (FIG. 13) ofthe clearance opening 122 abuts the boss 170 of the base platform 102.

With the adapter 12 thus secured to the attachment platform 254 of thetransport device 14 the conveyor belt 250 is movable by the motor 324 inopposite directions for a predetermined bi-directional movement of theadapter 12. Thus the transport device 14 is operable in any suitableknown manner to bring the adapter 12 to a forward load position as shownin FIGS. 6 and 17 can be determined when the signal projection 362(FIGS. 5 and 6) of the flag member 360 aligns with and activates theflag sensor 364 at the forward end of the transport device 14. Movementof the conveyor belt 250 in an opposite direction to place the adapter12 in a rearward unload position as shown in FIGS. 3, 8 and 19 isaccomplished by operating the stepper motor 324 for a predeterminednumber of steps that correspond to the location of the adapter 12 in apredetermined rearward position on the transport device 14.

When the adapter 12 is in the forward load position of FIG. 17 the latchengagement surface 350 (FIG. 3A) of the transport device 14 engages theactuator members 136 and 138 (FIG. 13) to cause the latch device 110 toshift rearwardly from its normally biased lock position as shown in FIG.15 to the unlock position as shown in FIG. 16. Thus as long as the latchengagement surface 350 (FIG. 3A) remains in contact with the latchactuator members 136 and 138 (FIG. 13) while the adapter 12 is in theforward load position the latch device 110 will remain in the unlockposition as shown in FIG. 16.

When the adapter 12 is in the forward load position of FIG. 17 and thelatch device 110 is in the unlock position a sample tube rack 380 (FIG.27) a diluent container rack 390 (FIG. 21) or a reagent package rack 450(FIG. 24) can be loaded onto the adapter 12 in easy drop in fashionwithout the need to apply any force or overcome any resistance by theadapter 12.

For example, referring to FIGS. 10, 17 and 21 the diluent package rack390 includes an internal female surface 392 that is of complementaryshape with the external male surface 68 of the adapter 12. The diluentpackage rack 390 further includes a key recess 394 and a front end 396that is of complementary shape with the key formation 82 at the frontend of the adapter 12. A “U” shaped latch member 400 is secured to therack 390 within the female space 392 in any suitable known manner as bysecuring a median portion 402 (FIG. 22) of the latch member 400 tobosses 404, 406 and 408 (FIG. 23) that are formed within the femalecavity 392 of the rack 390. The latch member 400 includes oppositedepending legs 410 and 412 (FIG. 23) which each include a latch fingeropening 414. When the adapter 12 is in the load position as shown inFIG. 17 the latch member 400 is positioned within the female space 392of the rack 390 such that the latch finger openings 414 are free fromengagement with the latch fingers 126 and 128 of the latch device 110.

As the conveyor belt 250 transports the adapter 12 from the forward loadposition of FIG. 7 toward the rearward unload position of FIG. 9 theactuator member 136 and the unshown actuator member 138 clear the latchengagement surface 350 (FIG. 18) of the transport device 14 enabling thebiasing spring 134 to bias the latch device 110 of the adapter 12 intothe lock position as shown in FIG. 18. When the latch device 110 is inthe lock position the latch fingers 126 and 128 enter the latch fingeropenings 414 of the latch member 400 and lock the rack 390 to theadapter 12.

As long as the latch 110 of the adapter 12 remains in the lock positionduring transport of the adapter 12 to the rearward unload position thelatch actuator 136 and 138 will not engage the engagement surface 354 atthe rearward portion of the transport device 14 (FIG. 19).

However if the latch device 110 is inadvertently stuck or jammed in theunlock position of FIG. 17 as the conveyor belt 250 moves the rack 390from the forward load position to the rearward unload position theactuator member 136 will engage the engagement surface 354 (FIG. 20) asthe adapter 12 approaches the rearward unload position. Engagementbetween the actuator member 136 and the latch engagement surface 354 atthe rearward unload position will cause the latch device 110 to moveinto the lock position of FIG. 18. Under this arrangement whenever theadapter 12 is in the unload position any rack carried by the adapter 12,is locked to the adapter 12 to facilitate unloading of a rack such asthe rack 390 without causing any movement of the rack 390 relative tothe adapter 12.

Once the diluent packages 398 of the rack 390 have been unloaded at therearward unload position of the transport device 14 the diluent packages398 can immediately enter the sample analysis system (not shown) therebypreempting the normal input queue of test samples on the inputpassageway 26.

Reverse movement of the conveyor 250 moves the unloaded rack 390 back tothe forward load position of the transport device 14 wherein the latchdevice 110 of the adapter 12 is once again placed in the unlock position(FIG. 17). With the latch device in the unlock position the rack 390 canbe removed from the adapter 12 without any force since there is nolocking engagement between the latch device 110 and the rack 390. Theempty rack 390 can be replaced with another rack 390 containing diluentcontainers if needed for immediate transport to the sample analysissystem or the stat shuttle adapter and transport device 10 can bedeactivated at the control panel 48, for example and the normal inputqueue of test samples on the input pathway 26 can be reactivated at thecontrol panel 48.

If reagent rather than diluent is immediately needed in the sampleanalysis system the rack 450 (FIGS. 24-26) can be used to transportreagent packages 452 that are held by the rack 450. The reagent rack 450includes a female space 454 (FIG. 24) similar to the female space 392 ofthe rack 390. The latch member 400 (FIG. 26) is also secured within thefemale space 454 in a manner similar to that described for the rack 390.The rack 450 also includes a key recess 456 (FIG. 24). The female space454 of the rack 450 is of complementary shape with the male surface 68(FIG. 10) of the adapter 12.

The latch member 400 is positioned within the female space 454 of therack 450 in a manner that permits force free loading of the rack 450onto the adapter 12 in a manner similar to that described for thediluent rack 390 when the adapter 12 is in the forward load position ofthe transport device 14 (FIG. 7). Movement of the rack 450 on theadapter 12 is accomplished in a manner similar to that described formovement of the rack 390 toward the rearward unload position (FIG. 9).The rack 450 is unloaded in a manner similar to that described forunloading of the rack 390. Any inadvertent jamming of the latch device110 in the unlock position as the rack 450 moves to the rearward unloadposition of the transport device 14 can be overcome in the mannerpreviously described for overcoming jam-ups of the latch device 110.

Although the latch member 400 is shown as a separate member for theracks 390 and 450 other latch arrangements can be provided for a racksuch as the sample tube rack 380 of FIG. 30. The sample tube rack 380(FIG. 27) includes a male surface 382 that is of complementary shapewith the female surface 72 (FIG. 10) of the adapter 12. The rack 380also includes spaced recesses 384 and 386 (FIG. 27) that serve a keyingfunction. The recesses 384 and 386 align with the key projections 86 and90 on the female surface 72 of the adapter 12 when a front wall 388 therack 380 (FIG. 27) is positioned adjacent the wall 76 of the adapter 12.If the front wall 388 of the rack 380 is positioned in the female spaceof the female surface 72 adjacent the wall 78 (FIG. 10) of the adapter12 the keying arrangement will misalign. Any misaligned keyingarrangement alerts an operator to change the orientation of the rackrelative to the adapter.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 29 wall portions 460 and 462 of therespective recesses 384 and 386 in the rack 380 include latch fingeropenings 464 similar to the latch finger openings 414. Spacing betweenthe latch finger openings 464 is similar to the spacing between thelatch finger openings 414 in the racks 390 and 450 of FIGS. 23 and 26.

When the adapter 12 is in the forward load position (FIG. 7) on thetransport device 14 and it is desired to immediately transport sample tothe sample analysis system the sample rack 380 containing sample tubes381 (FIG.29) is loaded into the female space 72 (FIG. 10) of the adapter12 in the manner shown in FIG. 30. The latch device 110 is thus in theunlock position such that the latch fingers 126 and 128 are held awayfrom the latch finger openings 464 by engagement of the actuator members136 and 138 with the latch engagement surface 350 of the transportdevice 14. The sample tube rack 380 can thus be easily deposited intothe female surface 72 of the adapter 12 without the need for any force.

A force free engagement between any rack and the adapter 12 is acharacteristic of the stat shuttle adapter and transport device 10 whenthe adapter 12 is in the forward load position on the transport device14.

When the adapter 12 is moved from the forward load position (FIG. 7) tothe rearward unload position (FIG. 9) of the transport device 14 thelatch actuator members 136, 138 clear the latch engagement surface 350(FIG. 3A) enabling the latch device 110 to assume its normally biasedlock position as shown in FIG. 30.

Upon arrival of the adapter 12 at the rearward unload position of thetransport device 14 ( FIG. 9) the latch device 110 normally remains inthe lock position of FIG. 31 to securely hold the sample rack 380 to theadapter 12 while the sample tubes 381 are unloaded from the sample rack380. Should there be any inadvertent jamming of the latch device 110 inthe unlock position the actuator members 136 and 138 will interfere withthe latch engagement surface 354, as previously described, to causemovement of the latch device 110 into the lock position when the adapter12 is at the rearward unload position. Thus selected sample tube racks380 can be immediately transported to the sample analysis system withoutmanipulating or otherwise rearranging sample racks in the input queuepathway 26.

When the stat shuttle operation is no longer required an operator candeactivate the stat shuttle at the console 48 in any suitable knownmanner and reactivate operation of the input queue pathway 26.

Under this arrangement there is no need to manipulate or otherwisehandle sample tubes racks in the input pathway 26 in order to allowimmediate delivery of a preemptive sample tube rack to the sampleanalysis system.

A simple expeditious preemptive delivery of sample analysis ingredientsto the sample analysis system is thus accomplished without the need forshifting or changing the normal input queue of samples that are awaitingdelivery to the sample analysis system.

In view of the above, it will be seen that several objects of theinvention are achieved, and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes can be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description are shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shuttle device comprising a) a shuttle conveyorincluding a conveyor belt for moving objects back and forth to first andsecond conveyor locations, b) a carrier device secured to said conveyorbelt for holding objects to be moved back and forth to said first andsecond conveyor locations, c) said carrier device including a carrierhousing and a latch device mounted on said carrier housing for slideablemovement back and forth relative to said carrier housing from an unlockposition free from engagement with an object being carried by saidcarrier housing to a lock position in locking engagement with an objectbeing carried by said carrier housing, said latch device being normallybiased to said lock position, d) said latch device including an actuatormember for effecting movement of said latch device from the lockposition to the unlock position, e) said conveyor including a firstimmovable actuator member engagement surface at said first conveyorlocation and a second immovable actuator member engagement surface atsaid second conveyor location, f) said first immovable actuator memberengagement surface being positioned for engagement with said actuatormember when said carrier device is at said first conveyor location tohold the latch device of said carrier device in the unlock position,said second immovable actuator member engagement surface beingpositioned for non-engagement with said actuator member when saidcarrier device is at said second location and said latch device is inthe unlock position, the position of said second immovable actuatormember engagement surface permitting surface engagement with saidactuator member when said carrier housing is at said second conveyorlocation and said latch device is in said unlock position, wherebyconveyor movement of said carrier housing toward said second conveyorlocation enables said second immovable actuator member engagementsurface to urge said actuator member to move said latch device from theunlock position to the lock position.
 2. The shuttle device as claimedin claim 1, including means for stopping said conveyor when said carrierdevice is at said first and second conveyor locations to permit loadingof an object on said carrier device when said conveyor is at said firstlocation and to permit unloading of materials from said object when saidcarrier device is at said second conveyor location.
 3. The shuttledevice as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuator member is in theform of a tab depending from said carrier housing for interferingengagement with the first immovable actuator member engagement surfaceof the conveyor when said carrier device is at said first conveyorlocation such that said interfering engagement holds said latch devicein said unlock position to permit disposition of a rack on the carrierhousing.
 4. The shuttle device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said tabis located on said carrier device in a predetermined position such thatsaid tab is spaced from said second immovable actuator member engagementsurface when said carrier device is in a lock position at said secondconveyor location.
 5. The shuttle device as claimed in claim 3, whereinsaid tab is located on said carrier housing in a predetermined positionsuch that said tab interferes with said second immovable actuatorengagement surface as said carrier housing approaches said secondconveyor location in an unlock position such that said interferingengagement exerts a force on said tab in a predetermined direction thateffects movement of said latch device from said unlock position to saidlock position.
 6. The shuttle device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidlatch device includes at least one latch engagement member, said latchengagement member being engageable with said object when said latchdevice is in said lock position, and said latch engagement member beingdisengaged from said object when said latch device is in said unlockposition.
 7. The shuttle device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidcarrier housing has an outside male surface of predetermined shape forcomplementary force-free engagement with an inside female surface of afemale object that can be carried by said carrier device, and an insidefemale surface of predetermined shape for complementary force-freeengagement with an outside male surface of a male object that can becarried by said carrier device, when said latch device is in the unlockposition at said first conveyor location.
 8. The shuttle device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said conveyor has an attachment platform andsaid conveyor belt has two end portions joined to opposite ends of theattachment platform.
 9. The shuttle device as claimed in the claim 8wherein said carrier device is secured to said attachment platform. 10.A shuttle device comprising a) conveyor having a movable platform forholding racks to be moved to first and second locations on the conveyor,b) a latch device on the platform having a lock position to lock therack to the platform and an unlock position to permit unloading of therack from the platform, said latch device further including an actuatorto effect movement of the latch device from the lock position to theunlock position, c) said conveyor having first and second immovableactuator engagement surfaces to move the latch device from the lockposition to the unlock position, d) said first immovable actuatorengagement surface being positioned to hold said latch device in theunlock position when the platform is at the first conveyor location, ande) said second immovable actuator engagement surface being positioned toengage the actuator only when the latch device is in the unlock positionat the second conveyor location, the position of said second immovablelatch engaging surface being non-engageable with said latch device whensaid latch device is in the lock position at said second conveyorlocation.